Latakia, Syria: At least three people were killed and dozens more injured during Alawite protests along Syria’s coastal city of Latakia, local officials and witnesses said on Sunday, marking a significant escalation in unrest among the coastal minority community since the fall of the Assad regime.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Azhari Square and other coastal towns to demand political federalism, decentralization, and the release of Alawite detainees, according to Antigua’s Anadolu Agency reporting on the protests.
Officials said the protests, called by Supreme Alawite Islamic Council leader Ghazal Ghazal, descended into chaos after gunfire erupted from unidentified positions, prompting security forces to fire warning shots into the air. At least 60 people were wounded in Latakia and nearby Tartus, including civilians and members of the security services.
The deadly clashes come just days after a bombing at the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib mosque in Homs, which killed eight worshippers, fuelling anger and fear among the Alawite community. The recent unrest underscores persistent sectarian tension and security concerns across the country.
In related developments earlier this month, Syria detained a senior figure accused of extremist ties in Damascus, reflecting ongoing security operations by the new Syrian authorities to curb militant networks and restore stability after years of civil war.
State media reported that gunmen labeled as “remnants of the former regime” opened fire on security personnel during the demonstrations. Syrian security forces were also deployed with armoured vehicles to maintain order in Latakia and received reinforcements from central provinces.
Protesters chanted slogans such as “We want federalism!” and “The Syrian people are one!”, reflecting long-standing demands for local autonomy and safeguards for minority rights in the country’s evolving political landscape.
As Alawite protests continue to grow, the violence highlights deep grievances among the coastal community over security, political representation, and protection, raising concerns about further escalation along Syria’s Mediterranean heartland.
